What is a marine GPS and what can you do with it

Marine GPS units have been around for quite a while, and they seem to be making a difference when it comes to boating and fishing. Such models are made for both beginning, and well-seasoned boaters and are designed in such a way so as to track a vessel and provide accurate directions.

The purpose of a GPS is to guide the boater as best as possible, but there’s also a safety-related benefit that should be considered. If you ever lose your way when you’re at sea, your marine GPS will be able to tell you how to get back. You can even create landmarks depending on your favorite fishing spots, for instance.

In this article, we will answer some common questions that some people might have regarding marine GPS units.

What features does such a navigational model need to come with?

There are several essential features, mostly provided by the interface of the device, which can take your user experience to a whole new level and can allow you to rest assured that nothing can go wrong while you’re out boating.

These crucial aspects range from a 12-channel receiver to a low battery alarm, but also a collision alarm. On top of that, you need to be able to track your route so that you can follow it and make it to your destination. These are the features that any marine GPS, whether it is cheaper or more expensive, should come with.

Can a marine GPS supply some entertainment?

Some of the models available for sale these days are a bit more complex compared to others. What this means, in a nutshell, is that you will be able to use them comfortably and conveniently, but also make the most of them. Some units are outfitted with MP3 players with the help of which you can listen to any music you like or even load several audiobooks onto the GPS if you like them.

Moreover, there are marine GPSes that can work as fish finders. The fishing locators that they are outfitted with can undoubtedly come in handy for an angler who might have a bit of trouble locating his or her catches when in the middle of the ocean.

Radio and connectivity

In addition to all of this, marine GPS units can pick up radio channels. On the one hand, this can be a safety feature because you can find out everything you need to know about the weather and if it might become too unpredictable for you to have a good time and remain safe. Plus, several units can connect to the Internet thanks to the Bluetooth feature they have been equipped with. This way, you’re going to be able to use the Internet to tap into the information provided by the community of anglers around you. There are several models that can do this, and one type is made by Garmin.